OUR PRIORITITIES: Our priorities need to move away from a Results Oriented Model to a Player Oriented Model. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Less focus on untechnical play that produces results and greater focus on individual player development. Understand that our impact and preparation for most players will extend beyond the game of soccer. We must be prepared prior to practices to optimize the time, enjoyment, and player development that can occur during that time. We must do our best implement slant wise coaching philosophies but this also means that we as coaches cannot sacrifice the development of the majority for that of a few. (This goes both ways for developmentally advanced players and at older ages developmentally behind players). Your sweet spot should be when an exercise challenges some more than others but still everyone. We must give the games back to the kids. Our moments for making a major impact one the players are made during practice sessions. The games are for the enjoyment of the kids. As Coaches our FOCUS should be to use SOCCER to: Allow players to have fun and develop a passion for the game; To develop character, instill values, teach respect for authority and society; To develop confidence and a positive self image and help youth reach their potential in life. The goal is to use soccer as the vehicle to achieve this mission; To create a training atmosphere in which players learn the developmentally appropriate skills to facilitate their advancement within the game. Encourage the progression of developmentally advanced players through any available resources (i.e. Classic, Tournaments, Playing Up, ODP, etc.). As Coaches we must REFRAIN from: Using negative or demeaning verbal/non verbal language/actions toward players, parents, or referees; Encouraging player actions which do not encourage fair play and/or against the laws of the game (i.e. if they push you push them back); Sacrificing long term player development for short term team gain (i.e. playing a single player as keeper) or focusing too much on tactical which produces games results and too little on technical; Creating invisible boundaries at young ages which result in short term success but hinder longterm development. Contacts: Director of Coaches: Matt Cramer, directorofcoaches@farmington.soccer Technical Director: Nick Delarue, technicaldirector_nick@farmington.soccer Technical Director: Byron Farnsworth, technicaldirector_byron@farmington.soccer
U5/U6 Development Directives Running Being Nice Jumping Sharing Experiment with Encouraging Others Different Running (High Fives) Directions Encouraging Selfesteem Dribbling (head up, stop, start) Rolling the ball Experiment using different part of the Foot Shooting Basics (Laces) Experiment using non dominant foot Did the players enjoy it? Are the players excited? Did the players maximize touches on the ball? Did the players improve ball control? Can the players dribble the ball with their heads up? Do the players understand the boundary lines and the direction of play? Boundary Lines Field Set up Direction Names of Field Items (touchline, midline, endline, goal box, penalty box)
U8 Development Directives Begin season with U5/U6 Directives U5/U6 Directives Dribbling (head up) Experiment w/ Dribbling Moves (pull backs, feints, inside/outside) Introduce working with teammates (Partner Passing Exercises) Shooting Concepts (Using laces, introduce shooting of rolling balls) Equal time using dominant and nondominant foot Stationary Throwins Introduce Juggling U5/U6 Directives Implement different running directions Introduce foot eye and hand eye coordination (i.e. juggling or bouncing/catching of the ball with different body parts) Introduce agility (i.e. ladders, shuttle runs) U5/U6 Directives Working with Partners Encouraging Others (High Fives) Encouraging Sportsmanship Encouraging Creativity Working with Self Esteem Introduction to Communication U5/U6 Directives Basic Positions (i.e. front/back, concept of defenders v. forwards) Concept of working with or problem solving with a teammate Introduction of 1v1 Attacking and 2v1 Attacking Introduction of Open Space Did the players enjoy it? Are the players excited? Did the players maximize touches on the ball? Did the players improve ball control? Can the players dribble the ball with their heads up? Can the players perform basic moves (pull backs, inside outside) using both feet? Did the players learn to work effectively in pairs? Do the players exhibit teamwork encouragement and sportsman?
U10 Development Directives Begin season with U5/U6/U8 Directives U5/U6/U8 Directives Begin toward Dribbling Mastery (head up critical) Emphasize work w/ dribbling moves (pull backs, feints, inside/outside, scissors, crossovers) Passing with multiple foot surfaces and distances Receiving passes More Advanced Shooting Concepts (Using laces, introduce shooting of rolling balls) Equal time using dominant and nondominant foot Continuing Juggling Introduce Advanced Throw ins (stepping/dragging of the foot) Intro Goalkeeping Concepts U5/U6/U8 Directives Implement different running directions Foot eye Coordination Hand eye coordination (GK s) Agility (i.e. ladders, shuttle runs) Endurance through training exercise with constant movement (sweating by the end) Dynamic Stretching/Cool Down Intro to cool down U5/U6/U8 Directives Teamwork/Small Group work Sportsmanship Self Motivation Creativity Working with Self Esteem Working with Self Image U5/U6/U8 Directives 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 Attacking 1 v 1 Defending Introduce the concept of being Goal Side Team Shaping Length and Width Introduction of Positions to Play all Effective Concept of Space Communication Did the players enjoy it? Are the players excited? Do the players understand the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and hardwork? Can the players effectively dribble the ball with their heads up and recognize an opportunity to pass to an open teammate? Can the players perform basic moves (pull backs, inside outside, feints, scissors, crossovers) using both feet? Did the players learn the concept of open space, length, and width? Did the players learn the basic principcals of attacking and defending?
U12/13 Development Directives Begin season with U8/U10 Directives U8/U10 Directives Continue work w/ dribbling, moves, and in game uses Crossing/half volleys Receiving balls in the air including chest traps Passing by chipping Extensive nondominant footwork Control of bouncing/spinning balls More advanced Goalkeeping Concepts U8/U10 Directives Overall fitness (predominately done with a ball) Mastery of various running directions Introduce strength using body resistance Agility at increased speed and direction Reaction Speed Correct Warmups/Cool downs U8/U10 Directives Focus on Overall Teamwork Positive Self Image (particularly important with girls) Sportsmanship Principles of Self Motivation/Discipline Dealing with Stress Reflection on practice/game as a means to improvement. U8/U10 Directives 2 v 1 Defending and 2 v 2 Attacking Movement off the ball. Roles of off the ball players (ie. 2 nd attacker/defender) Attacking Principles of Play (Penetration, Support, Mobility, width, Improvisation). Defending Principles of Play (Pressure, Cover, Balance, Compactness, Control). Introduce Visual Communication (i.e. call for where you want the ball with your hands) Offensive Team Shaping Length and Width Continue to play multiple positions Angles/Positioning for GK s Did the players enjoy it and did they end with a positive self image? Are the players excited? Do the players understand the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, self motivation, and hardwork? Do the players know the Basic Pinciples of Attack and Defending? Have the players progress with footwork using both feet? Did the players improve in agility and speed? Did the players learn the concepts of movement off the ball and supporting roles during attacking/defending? Did the players learn the basic principles of attacking and defending?